Chapter 29: With That Level of Delivery, Didn’t He Prepare That in Advance?
“Gasp, that is insane.”
“What kind of active actor enters an international snow sculpture competition? Kyahaha. You truly are a bizarre oppa.”
“It is just a promotional participation. Since I played a sculptor in the ‘Pygmalion Effect’, it is closer to acting as an ambassador.”
“Even so, if you participate in the competition, you actually have to sculpt, right? That is genuinely incredible.”
“You two should come visit too. There are a lot of fun things to see there.”
The moment Kyuha finished speaking, the two women’s eyes lit up as they fired off questions.
“Can we really go?”
“When is it? Can we watch you sculpt?”
Facing the barrage of questions, Kyuha answered them in order.
“Yeah. You can really come. I will ask the organizers to help arrange accommodations and things like that. Watching the sculpting process will be boring, so just come on the day of the award ceremony. The exhibitions will be open by then, so there will be plenty to see.”
“Oh yeah~ Unnie, let’s go together.”
“Sounds great! I have never been to Taebaek before!!”
Finding something incredibly exciting about the prospect, the two women held hands, their faces beaming with anticipation.
“Sure. It would be great if you two came together!”
“Ah! Oppa, are you attending the award ceremonies this year?”
“Yeah. I received an invitation to the Golden Dragon Film Awards, so I think I will be attending.”
“Wow. I am so jealous of the Golden Dragon Film Awards… Sigh, it is a shame TVM doesn’t host an award ceremony. Will a day ever come when I get to walk the red carpet at an award ceremony too?”
“The way I see it, not only will you attend an award ceremony next year, but you will sweep the awards.”
“Oh, oppa, you really… But hearing you say that gives me strength. Thank you. I will work hard.”
Sensing a vague, inexplicable sense of crisis, Gyeoul hurriedly brought the conversation to a close.
“Alright, alright, we must all be tired, so let’s slowly get ready to head back. You both worked incredibly hard today. Let’s meet again at our next volunteer session. Remember~ This member~”
Thus, the most unique Christmas of Kyuha’s life came to an end.
***
The Golden Dragon Film Awards.
Established in 1963 to foster the advancement of the Korean film industry, it stands as one of the three major domestic film award ceremonies alongside the Grand Bell Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. Yet, even among them, it boasts the highest authority and prestige.
The awards comprise a total of 18 categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best New Actor, Best New Actress, and Best New Director.
The selection process for the Golden Dragon Film Awards is known to be relatively transparent. Film experts and netizens vote to determine the nominees, and a panel of 9 judges deliberates to select the final winners.
However, the Golden Dragon Film Awards harbors a unique characteristic: the winning works and individuals are decided on the exact day of the ceremony.
Once the decision is finalized that day, the names of the winners or winning works are engraved onto the trophies backstage in real-time.
The 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards was held in Incheon’s Central City, and the red carpet was already blazing with a galaxy of stars.
Countless celebrities showcased their dazzling outfits and signature poses in front of the photo wall, while hordes of reporters relentlessly flashed their cameras to capture the spectacle.
Among that constellation of stars, one woman commanded absolute attention with her overwhelming figure and unconventional dress.
It was none other than Jung Hyemi, the MC of the Golden Dragon Film Awards, hailed as Korea’s representative actress and the ‘Lady of the Golden Dragon’.
Having hosted the award ceremony for roughly 25 years since 1993, she had rightfully earned her majestic moniker.
With that, the 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards announced its glamorous commencement.
“Hey! Kyuha, over here. Over here.”
Having built a deep bond during ‘In the Name of the Devil’, Cha Kyungseok had reserved the seat directly next to his for Kyuha.
“Come on, Hyungnim. Aren’t you showing too much favoritism toward Kyuha? You know I am your number one younger brother no matter what anyone says, right?”
Sitting to Cha Kyungseok’s right, Lee Seunggoo offered a harmless complaint.
“Favoritism? What favoritism, you punk. This is Kyuha’s first award ceremony. As his older brother, I have to take care of him, don’t I?”
“Ahem, that is true. You went through a lot to get here, Kyuha.”
“Hello, Hyungnims. Have you been well? It is so great to see your faces again after such a long time.”
Even after the project concluded, Kyuha had sporadically called or texted Cha Kyungseok, Jung Seho, and Lee Seunggoo to check in. Delighted by his consistent effort, they all welcomed Kyuha with open arms.
“Yeah, yeah. But somehow, I feel like I see news about you more often through articles? Saving someone from a fire, an actor appearing on a music broadcast, beating down a drug syndicate… your life is quite a spectacle, isn’t it?”
“It just sort of ended up that way, but hearing you list it out like that, it really is quite a spectacle.”
“Oh? It looks like it is starting.”
MCs Jung Hyemi and Park Hyojoon linked arms and walked onto the stage, signaling the opening of the Golden Dragon Film Awards.
“We greet you as we announce the commencement of the 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards, the absolute pinnacle of film festivals in South Korea. Hello everyone, I am Jung Hyemi.”
“Yes, hello. I am Park Hyojoon. It is an absolute honor to host alongside the Goddess of the Golden Dragon, Senior Jung Hyemi.”
“The honor is mine, being able to host with the rising next-generation star, Mr. Park Hyojoon.”
Following the two MCs’ opening remarks, the award presentations began in earnest.
The very first category was the Best New Actor award, for which Kyuha was nominated.
“The presentation and announcement for the Best New Actor award will be handled by last year’s winners, Mr. Lee Jooseok and Miss Lee Ryunkyung.”
“Please welcome them with a round of applause.”
Appearing slightly nervous, last year’s Best New Actor Lee Jooseok and Best New Actress Lee Ryunkyung linked arms and stepped onto the stage.
“Hello, I am Lee Ryunkyung.”
“Hello, I am Lee Jooseok. It is a profound honor to present at the Golden Dragon Film Awards alongside Senior Lee Ryunkyung.”
When Lee Jooseok—a man significantly older than her—referred to her as ‘Senior’, Lee Ryunkyung stammered in fluster.
“S-Senior?”
“With a 16-year acting career spanning from your days as a child actress, you are certainly a senior to me by a wide margin. Haha.”
Exchanging the playful banter typical of presenters, they soon announced the presentation for the 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards’ Best New Actor and Best New Actress.
“Shall we proceed with the awards? Let’s take a look at the nominees for the first category of the 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards, the Best New Actor.”
The five nominees, including Kyuha, flashed across the screen, accompanied by brief introductions of their projects and short clips of their performances.
“Then, I will announce the winner. The 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards Best New Actor! And the winner is…?”
Lee Jooseok swept his gaze across the audience, pausing dramatically before shouting at the top of his lungs.
“Mr. Song Kyuha from ‘In the Name of the Devil’! Congratulations.”
“Congratulations!!”
MC Jung Hyemi also offered her congratulations to the Best New Actor, Kyuha.
“The Golden Dragon Film Awards truly always shatters expectations. Mr. Song Kyuha, who commanded massive attention for his phenomenal acting, has become the protagonist of this year’s Best New Actor award at the Golden Dragon Film Awards. Please give him a massive round of applause.”
*Clap clap clap clap.*
The main camera spotlighted Kyuha in his seat. The broadcast captured Cha Kyungseok, Lee Seunggoo, and Jung Hoje causing an absolute uproar around him, enthusiastically patting his shoulders and offering high-fives.
“Yeah, it’s done! You did it!!!”
With a serene smile and an unhurried, relaxed stride, Kyuha ascended the stage.
Cheers and applause erupted from all directions.
Hundreds of eyes and dozens of cameras locked entirely onto him.
Kyuha didn’t feel particularly nervous.
However, a strange, ticklish sensation unfamiliar to him bloomed in his chest.
It felt like a mix of accomplishment and bewilderment.
The competition for the Best New Actor had been so fierce and packed with formidable nominees that it wouldn’t have been strange regardless of who won.
Regardless, Kyuha stood before the microphone and briefly pondered what to say.
He hadn’t prepared an acceptance speech in the slightest.
No, preparing a speech was entirely unnecessary in the first place.
Had he not stood before countless masses without a shred of intimidation, even inciting them to storm the Vatican?
Kyuha’s gaze swept the audience. After a brief pause, he opened his mouth.
“During my childhood, I was called a freak.
I was a strange child, devoid of words and devoid of expression.
I endured a truly agonizing childhood.
But I never strayed from the path.
I simply lived like a machine without a beating heart.
Yet, at some point, an unsolvable question began to relentlessly echo in my mind.
What is life?
What does it mean to exist?
I was 13 years old at the time.
And only after becoming an adult did I finally realize the answer.
I wanted to act.
For the first time in my life, I discovered something akin to passion.
That passion forged a seed, bloomed into a flower, and bestowed so much upon me.
That is why I am so profoundly grateful for everything that has transpired.
I believe this is only the beginning. I vow I will fight even more fiercely moving forward.
‘Negligence and comfort.’
I believe those are far greater obstacles to my own evolution than ‘hardship and trial.’
Therefore, I will continue to move. I will continue to grow.
If it were not for all of you, I would have never been able to stand here.
To everyone who supports me, I want to say that I love you.
Thank you.”
*Murmur, murmur.*
*Clap clap clap clap.*
As Kyuha’s acceptance speech concluded, a brief murmur rippled through the hall before thunderous applause erupted.
With tears welling in his eyes, Cha Kyungseok elbowed Lee Seunggoo in the ribs.
“Seunggoo, with that level of delivery, didn’t he prepare that in advance?”
“I agree, Hyungnim. His acceptance speech contained an entire narrative.”
A wave of profound emotion swept through the award ceremony hall.
An inexplicable power resonated within Kyuha’s voice, making it impossible to look away or stop listening. Kyuha’s lips captivated the audience like a masterfully penned play, drawing the listeners into deep immersion as they hung onto his every word. Moreover, the substance of his speech possessed a heavy, lingering resonance that thoroughly stimulated the audience’s emotions.
Following Kyuha’s award, Cha Kyungseok claimed Best Leading Actor, and Director Go Yohan secured Best Director. It was no exaggeration to say that ‘In the Name of the Devil’ practically swept the majority of the awards.
Thus, the 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards concluded successfully. The following day, an avalanche of articles poured out.
– 41st Golden Dragon Film Awards Best New Actor Song Kyuha’s Moving Acceptance Speech Becomes a Hot Topic
[User1: Wow, even his acceptance speech feels like a movie.]
[User2: I thought I was watching the Cannes Film Festival lol. Why is Song Kyuha so good at speaking?]
[User3: For real lol. He wasn’t even speaking loudly, but I got so insanely focused.]
[User4: Hearing Song Kyuha’s acceptance speech made me resolve to live diligently. Starting tomorrow, of course.]
[User5: Me too 222222222222]
And before the buzz surrounding Kyuha’s acceptance speech could even fade, a new article surfaced.
– Actor Song Kyuha to Participate in Taebaek International Snow Sculpture Competition. Will Compete Against World-Class Sculptors.
And the reaction was explosive.
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